Henry A. Tessmer JD

Henry A. Tessmer JD took a walk with Jesus to Paradise on February 20, 2026 at age 95, where he joined his parents, Henry and Charlotte Tessmer. Henry was the proud and loving husband of his beloved wife and best friend of 75 years, Terry Tessmer, and was the devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather of a large and amazing family of 12 children, 25 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Loving father of Mary (Dennis) Labinski, chdrn Patti Owens (Jorge), Katie (Adam) Butler, Kyle, Sean and Sara, Michael K. Tessmer (Jody), Charlie, Weston and Malachi, Rev. Maggie (Shane), Derek, and Dean(Kate) Labinski,Kylie and Calab ; Kathleen Tessmer (Mark Kemmeter), his daughter who practiced law with him for over thirty years, chdrn Kristin (Erich) Hinterstocker, Andrew and Landon, Elizabeth (Erik) Kemmeter and Rebecca (Eric) Pieters Wade and Dean; Michael H.Tessmer, chdrn Bob and Abby (Stephen); James (Nancy) Tessmer; chdrn Jim, Jr. (Katy) James and Emmalyn, Amy (Derek) Vannucci, Ada and Bria; Ann (David) Golombowski, chdrn David (Elizabeth), Daisia,Kara, Vance and Vade; Danny (Laura), Ryan and Braden; Jimmy (Carmen), Mariana, Veronica and Leon; John (Anne) Tessmer, chdrn Zeke (Cat) and Maxx (Kelsey); Patricia (Thomas) Schilz, chdrn Zachary (Katie) Layla and Arya; and Aleah; Joseph Tessmer; Celeste (Octavio) Delgado, chdrn Tony, Rielynn, and Alicia (Marc); Joan (Larry) Mueller, chdrn Jackson (Olivia) and Peter; Henry "Chip" (Shelley) Tessmer, chdrn Henry and Emily; Christopher (Noel) Tessmer, chdrn Natalie and Christopher. Also survived by special sisters-in-law, Elaine Tessmer and Rita Witeck, as well as nine wonderful nieces and nephews and their families. He also leaves many caring and supportive friends. We want to thank caregiver and friend Heidi for her many hours of loving attention. He is predeceased by his brother James S. Tessmer, brother-in-law Jack Witeck and nephew David Witeck.

Henry graduated from Don Bosco High School in 1949, from Marquette University in 1954, with a Bachelor of Science Degree, and from Marquette University Law School in 1957, with a J.D. He opened his law office in Bay View in 1958 where he practiced for over 60 years. He tried his first case before the State Supreme Court in 1960. He was  a member of the Wisconsin State Bar and represented clients before the Wisconsin Supreme Court, various State Circuit Courts, United States District Court and United States Tax Court. He was also a member of the American Association for Justice. Over the years he was active and held office in many charitable and community organizations including St. Veronica's Parish, Holy Name Society, the Knights of Columbus, Cardinal Stritch Council and Bishop Henni Assembly Fourth Degree, the March of Dimes, Milwaukee Birthright and St. Joan Antida High School. He loved to fish and hunt with his family, spending time at his vacation home in northern Wisconsin or on Lake Michigan. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Veronica's Parish, St. Veronica's Conference St. Vincent de Paul Society, or a charity of your choice.

Visitation on Friday, March 6, 2026, 9:3am0-12 noon at St. Veronica Parish, 4001 S. Whitnall Ave. Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery.